Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Question: We've just been out for a walk and noticed an elderly man distributing two very large bags of birdseed to pigeons on the grass fronting 1609 Ala Wai Blvd. He then got in his car and drove off. Hundreds and hundreds of them flock there. Then they come on our lanai and leave their droppings. Can anything be done? Feeders of wild birds
are the real nuisanceQ: We have been having bird problems with a neighbor who spreads pounds of bird seed on her driveway every morning and night. Birds by the hundreds come. Other neighbors have mentioned this problem, but she is oblivious to it. Our brown patio trellis is turning white. We understand there is a item called Tanglefoot, which is a sticky goo and a sort of bird repellent. We have called pet stores that haven't heard of it. Some people have said to string up compact discs and hang them -- that the sun's reflection would deter the birds. Any suggestions from you or your readers?
Q: One of my neighbors has a bird feeder. The birds gather to eat, then come to our apartment to nest. How do I get rid of the birds? Is there something I can feed them?
Answer: Obviously, this problem is driving a lot of people cuckoo. We've found out a lot about this problem, so much so that we will continue the discussion of possible solutions in tomorrow's column.
But first, there is no law against feeding the birds -- no matter if so many of them gather that they become a nuisance -- except in certain public parks. So, even though the experts all say it's a people problem, authorities can't get after the misguided bird feeders.
The state Department of Health's Vector Control Branch receives a lot of complaints about the feeders and subsequent bird droppings, said inspector Norman Sato.
However, a proposed state health rule to make it an offense to feed feral animals, including cats and birds, in public places was not approved last year. That proposal is not being pursued, said Health Department spokeswoman Janice Okubo.
In the absence of such a law or rule, "We try to talk to (the bird feeders) and convince them that perhaps it's better to leave the birds alone to fend for themselves," Sato said.
The problem is, feeding the birds so much allows them to reproduce, he said, resulting in an "artificially large population, more than an area can actually handle."
In the event the bird feeder gets sick and can't feed the birds, "they really create a problem for the birds. The birds are going to starve now" because they've become dependent on a human source.
On private premises, vector control inspectors can take action if the bird droppings create a potential health problem, Sato noted.
The irony is, "Our rules say if it is on your premises, you have to clean it up," he said. "It's not your fault, but because it's on your property, you are responsible for cleaning up the mess."
Sato says that although they cannot cite anyone, inspectors will try to talk to misguided bird feeders if they see them, although "some of them just run away from us."
Still, call Vector Control at 831-6767 and provide as much detail as you can (time of day, location, etc.) of the feedings.
"That will help us," Sato said.
Tomorrow: Dave Smith, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources' Oahu District wildlife manager, and Andrew Nowinski, president of Bird Busters of Hawaii and Tropical Pest & Termite Control, talk about the problem and solutions.
Mahalo
To the good Samaritan who stopped and rescued my owner and me on the morning of June 28 on Waimano Home Road as I was being attacked by a pit bull. I wanted to thank him in my own way (slurp, slurp), but my owner forgot to ask for your name. Arf arf, woof woof. -- No Name
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